Coming off first loss, Bruins not ducking No. 2 Oregon

After taking its first loss of the season against now-No. 8 Stanford, UCLA will visit second-ranked Oregon for what most expect to be a second straight defeat.

Las Vegas has already set the Ducks — ranked second nationally in scoring offense and 12th in scoring defense — as a 23-point favorite over the Bruins for their 4 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.

“We couldn’t write a better script for us,” head coach Jim Mora said. “Coming off a really tough loss to Stanford, getting a chance to go up to Autzen and playing against this group, it keeps you focused. That’s for sure.”

He’s emphasizing that UCLA (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) treat this week at any other, but that’s easier said than done. With ESPN College Gameday ready to descend upon Autzen Stadium, the atmosphere will be a little rowdier than it was at Stanford.

To cope, the Bruins must continue to build what Mora called consistency in performance and preparation.

“We’re growing it,” he said. “It’s just not in bloom yet.”

Added quarterback Brett Hundley: “Every week is a new opportunity.”

Injury report

At least one of many ailing Bruins is expected to play against No. 2 Oregon this Saturday.

Inside linebacker Eric Kendricks — second in the conference with 9.33 tackles per game — will play against the Ducks, Mora said Tuesday. The junior was taken to the hospital at halftime of the Bruins’ 24-10 loss at Stanford this past weekend, and released after tests showed no sign of major injury.

Kendricks has bruising on either his kidney or the surrounding tissue, and started the week of practice in a non-contact red jersey.

“Eric Kendricks, it’s going to take a lot to keep that guy down,” Mora said. “He’s a friggin’ great player. He’s a tremendous competitor, heck of a leader. He’s got the spirit that you love on your team.”

Mora was hopeful that starting left tackle Simon Goines (MCL) would be available against the Ducks, but ruled out backup Conor McDermott (shoulder). Both went down in the third quarter at Stanford and neither practiced on Tuesday.

Starting running back Jordon James, who injured his ankle at Utah on Oct. 3, is no longer wearing a walking boot but did not have pads on. He remains questionable to play against Oregon.

Next man up

Kendricks’ injury opened up more playing time for four-star recruit Isaako Savaiinaea. Hawaii’s top-rated 2013 prospect notched five tackles against the Cardinal, giving him 12 on the season.

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“I got into a lot of high school habits,” Savaiinaea said, including playing too hyper. The former Punahou High standout said he needed a series to get acclimated to the game.

It’s no snap

Low snaps have plagued center Jake Brendel over the past three games, throwing off the Bruins’ offensive rhythm and timing. He originally said the problem was due to a shortcut he was using in his technique. On Tuesday, however, the redshirt sophomore said he wasn’t sure about the cause.